"A long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..."

Those first iconic words from upstart filmmaker George Lucas signaled a landmark change in popular entertainment. Trumpeted by John William's incomparable opening theme, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope launched not just a war between Rebel and Imperial forces, but also a revolution at the box office. Although Lucas' first Star Wars installment premiered in just 32 theaters nationwide, its critical reception was ecstatic, and the audience reaction was � well, seismic. Science fiction was no longer regarded as a "fringe genre," and George Lucas' generation of "film school" filmmakers was suddenly the new royalty in Hollywood.

And Lucas' particular vision of the inter-stellar past has endured the test of time: Star Wars Episode IV was among the first 25 films selected as National Treasures by the Library of Congress. The Smithsonian has honored the series with the Magic of Myth exhibit. To date, Lucas' franchise has spawned two sequels, three prequels (the third, The Revenge of the Sith, opens on May 19), and a groundswell of fan allegiance unsurpassed in motion picture history. The premiere of each Star Wars film is a global convergence, an event that unites hundreds of thousands of fans in theatre lines camping for weeks in tremulous anticipation of yet another timeless epic.

That timelessness, and the sophistication of the Star Wars fan base, has always presented a special challenge to licensees. This summer, Sideshow Collectibles once again answers that challenge with the announcement of the Star Wars 1:1 Scale Bust series. Combining the talents of the various artists within Sideshow, these life-size busts are constructed of mixed media elements involving polystone, resin, metal, plastic and other similar materials. The portraits include intricate hand painted detailing that accurately and expertly captures the essence of these timeless characters. Authentically tailored clothing completes each bust, with fabrics chosen to best recreate the costumes worn in the films. The Star Wars busts will also be mounted on authentic Star Wars-inspired display bases.

Sideshow Collectibles will unveil the first character in the Star Wars 1:1 Scale Bust series at Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. The event takes place July 14-17th, 2005 at the San Diego Convention Center.